Looking for a simple and delicious side dish that will impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this recipe for air fryer delicata squash!
With its tender, caramelized texture and sweet, savory flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit at any meal. Plus, it's easy to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. So why wait? Try out this recipe today and enjoy the taste of autumn in every bite!
Looking for more squash recipes? Roast Honeynut Squash, Butternut Squash Soup, and Spicy Kabocha Squash.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Delicata Squash
- Deliciously Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and butter creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, while the coriander adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for novice cooks and those short on time.
- Perfect Fall Side Dish: Delicata squash is a seasonal vegetable that is abundant in the fall. The dish is a great addition to any autumn-themed dinner or Thanksgiving feast. Plus, its beautiful caramelized color makes it a stunning addition to any table setting.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card.
- Delicata Squash - adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish. If unavailable, substitute with acorn squash or butternut squash.
- Olive Oil - helps the squash slices cook evenly and adds a light, fruity flavor. Can be substituted with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil.
- Unsalted Butter - adds richness and depth of flavor to the dish. Can be substituted with vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Maple Syrup - adds sweetness and a distinct maple flavor. Can be substituted with honey or agave syrup.
- Ground Coriander - adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish. Can be omitted or substituted with ground cumin or paprika.
- Salt - enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances out the sweetness. Use sea salt or kosher salt for best results.
Equipment Needed
- Oven or Air Fryer
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Microwave (optional - for melting the butter)
- Oven mitts or pot holders
- Serving dish or platter
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card for air fryer delicata squash.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Halve the delicata squash lengthwise, remove the seeds, and cut it into ¾ inch slices.
- In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- Place the coated squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the squash at 375°F for about 15 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake or flip the slices, until they become tender and slightly browned.
- While the squash is air frying, prepare the maple butter. In a small bowl, stir together melted unsalted butter, maple syrup, ground coriander, and salt. If the butter is not already melted, you can use a microwave to melt it in 20-second intervals until it's fully melted.
- Once the squash is tender, remove it from the air fryer.
- Pour the maple butter evenly over the hot squash slices.
- Return the sauced squash to the air fryer and continue to cook at 375°F for another 5-10 minutes, or until the maple butter is absorbed and the squash slices become slightly caramelized.
- Remove the maple roasted delicata squash from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish or platter.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and serve hot.
Variations
- Spicy Maple Roasted Delicata Squash: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the maple butter mixture for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan Maple Roasted Delicata Squash: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the squash slices during the last 5-10 minutes of baking for a cheesy, savory twist.
- Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Salad: Serve the roasted squash on a bed of mixed greens with crumbled goat cheese, chopped pecans, and a simple vinaigrette.
- Maple Glazed Delicata Squash Rings: Cut the squash into rings instead of slices, and brush the maple butter mixture generously over each ring. Bake until tender and glazed.
- Herb-Roasted Delicata Squash: Add a combination of chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage to the maple butter mixture for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Maple Roasted Delicata Squash with Apples: Add sliced apples to the baking sheet with the squash and roast them together with the maple butter mixture for a sweet and savory side dish.
Wine Pairing
A good wine pairing for maple roasted delicata squash would be a white wine with a medium body and some acidity. A Chardonnay or Viognier would pair well with the sweetness of the maple syrup and the earthy flavors of the coriander. If you prefer a red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Gamay would also work well with the dish. Additionally, a sparkling wine like a dry Prosecco or Champagne could complement the dish and add some effervescence to the meal. Ultimately, the choice of wine pairing will depend on personal preferences and taste.
FAQ's
Can I make this in the oven instead of in the air fryer?
Yes! To bake the maple roasted delicata squash, preheat the oven to 400°F, toss the squash slices with olive oil, and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until tender. Prepare the maple butter separately and drizzle it over the roasted squash before serving.
Can I use other types of squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of squash like butternut squash, acorn squash, or pumpkin, but the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of the squash.
Can I make the maple butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the maple butter mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before using it.
Can I substitute the coriander with other spices?
Yes, you can omit the coriander or substitute it with other spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or cinnamon, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or margarine and using a vegan-friendly alternative to honey, such as agave nectar or brown rice syrup.
How can I tell if the squash is tender and fully cooked?
You can check if the squash is fully cooked by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh of the squash. If it goes in easily without resistance, then the squash is tender and fully cooked.
Tips
- Use a sharp knife to cut the squash into uniform slices or pieces for even cooking.
- Make sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the squash halves before slicing.
- Rub the squash slices with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the baking sheet and to enhance their flavor.
- Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet to prevent the squash from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Stir the maple butter mixture well to ensure that the ingredients are fully combined and evenly distributed.
- If the squash is not fully cooked after 20 minutes, you can bake it for an additional 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the squash for the last few minutes of baking to caramelize the maple butter mixture.
- Garnish the roasted squash with sea salt and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the squash hot and immediately after roasting to ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning and sweetness of the maple butter mixture according to your taste preferences, and feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs.
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more squash recipes? Roast Honeynut Squash, Butternut Squash Soup, and Spicy Kabocha Squash.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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HUNGRY FOR MORE? You can also follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more recipe updates.
Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Maple Roasted Delicata Squash
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Ingredients
- Delicata Squash - halved lengthwise seeded, and cut into ¾ inch slices
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 6 tablespoon Unsalted Butter melted
- ¼ Cup Maple Syrup
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander can be omitted
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Halve the delicata squash lengthwise, remove the seeds, and cut it into ¾ inch slices.
- In a large bowl, toss the squash slices with olive oil to coat them evenly.
- Place the coated squash slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the squash at 375°F for about 15 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake or flip the slices, until they become tender and slightly browned.
- While the squash is air frying, prepare the maple butter. In a small bowl, stir together melted unsalted butter, maple syrup, ground coriander, and salt. If the butter is not already melted, you can use a microwave to melt it in 20-second intervals until it's fully melted.
- Once the squash is tender, remove it from the air fryer.
- Pour the maple butter evenly over the hot squash slices.
- Return the sauced squash to the air fryer and continue to cook at 375°F for another 5-10 minutes, or until the maple butter is absorbed and the squash slices become slightly caramelized.
- Remove the maple roasted delicata squash from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving dish or platter.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt and serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh delicata squash for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Rub the squash slices with olive oil to ensure they roast evenly and get a nice caramelized exterior.
- Mix the maple butter mixture well and make sure it's fully melted before pouring it over the squash.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top of the finished dish to enhance the flavors and add a nice finishing touch.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking or add additional spices or herbs for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy as a delicious side dish with your favorite main course.
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